The popular conception of science is of a steady, upward climb of progress. The reality is not that simple. Significant discoveries often stay unrecognized for decades, particularly if they conflict with the current paradigm or extend it in ways hard to imagine at the time.

Ahead of the Curve: Hidden breakthroughs in the biosciences is a fascinating collection of lost research that the editors believe are important scientific contributions. The book highlights specific topics in biology including the roles of biophysical forces, mathematical descriptions of living systems, the importance of the no-treatment control, the fallacy of the lone pioneer, the power of light, and the cognitive aspects of biological systems with and without brains.